Ukrainians in Latvia will lose their right to receive certain financial assistance: details

Latvia is preparing to reduce the amount of assistance provided to Ukrainians residing under temporary protection status. The government has approved a bill that will change the procedure for providing payments and benefits, including support for new employees and exemption from part of medical contributions. The authorities explain the reform by the fact that Ukrainians are increasingly integrating into the country's economy. Find out what types of support will remain and which will have to be abandoned

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The Latvian government has approved amendments to the law on support for the civilian population of Ukraine. These changes effectively mean the curtailment of a number of aid programmes that have been in place since the first months of the war. The authorities explain the revision of the measures by the fact that Ukrainians have already integrated into Latvian society, and therefore the need for additional funding is gradually disappearing. This is reported by Delfi.

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What will change for Ukrainians

One of the key decisions was to stop one-off payments to those who start working or register as self-employed. Previously, such assistance allowed Ukrainians to adapt more quickly and cover start-up costs — the state paid an amount equal to one minimum wage. Now this mechanism has been deemed obsolete. The Latvian Ministry of the Interior notes that most Ukrainians are already actively participating in the country's economy, working or conducting business activities, which means they can do without special subsidies.

However, Ukrainians will continue to have full access to the services of the State Employment Agency on the same terms as Latvian citizens. This will allow them to continue their search for work, retraining and participation in employment programmes.

Another area of cuts will be the partial abolition of benefits in the field of healthcare and transport. The bill stipulates that Ukrainians will no longer be exempt from the so-called ‘patient contribution’ when seeking medical assistance. At the same time, state-funded services will remain available, but to the same extent as for insured residents of the country. In the transport sector, Ukrainians will be entitled to discounts when travelling on regional routes, but on the same basis as other privileged categories of citizens.

In addition, the government intends to abandon compensation for expenses related to the registration of domestic animals and compliance with sanitary requirements — these expenses will now be fully transferred to the owners themselves.

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Why support is being cut

The main reason for the changes is a review of budget priorities. In 2025, Latvia will allocate around €65 million to implement the plan of measures to support Ukrainians, but next year the amount will be reduced by almost half to €39.7 million. The government says that with the number of new arrivals declining, it is necessary to use resources rationally and focus on basic services rather than additional payments.

In addition, migration flows have declined significantly. While in 2022–2023 the country received thousands of new applications every month, now only about 500–600 people per month are applying for temporary protection status. At the same time, the number of those who lose their status is growing, most often because they do not manage to submit documents for the renewal of their residence permits.

At the same time, the employment rate among Ukrainians is increasing: according to the Ministry of Finance, almost 10,000 people were officially employed in Latvia in June this year. Their incomes are increasing, and the state believes that Ukrainians are able to support themselves and their families independently.

Ukrainians should prepare for new conditions

The amendments have not yet come into force — they must be considered and approved by the Saeima. But experts are already warning that if the law is passed, Ukrainians should prepare for new conditions: less direct assistance, more equality with local residents. This may increase the financial burden on those who are just beginning to adapt, but for employed citizens, the changes will be less noticeable.

The authorities emphasise that the basic principle remains unchanged — Ukrainians will continue to enjoy all public services on a general basis. At the same time, the support model itself is gradually shifting from emergency humanitarian aid to integration: from assistance to the creation of equal opportunities for work, study and life.

Reminder! The Polish government has announced restrictions on the admission of Ukrainian refugees and the preparation of a new citizenship law. Find out how these changes will affect Ukrainians living in Poland.

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